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Lifton - Launceston

Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
End points:
- Lifton (Grid Ref SX387852)
- Launceston (Grid Ref SX332847)

Heading west out of Lifton the Trail descends to the valley of the River Carey, a tributary of the Tamar.

Crossing pleasant pasture along the Carey Valley, it then arrives at the Devon/Cornwall border at Polson Bridge, an ancient crossing point of the Tamar.

An attractive lane leads from here to Launceston, ancient capital of Cornwall. Launceston Castle, the second of the great castles after which the Trail is named, dominates the skyline ahead.

Launceston was the only walled town in Cornwall and the town is entered through the 14th century Southgate Arch.

Mileage between towns on route:
Lifton-Liftondown: 1.5 miles
Liftondown-Launceston: 3.5 miles

Public Transport: Buses at Lifton, Liftondown, Launceston.

Relevant maps/guides: 1:25,000 scale:Explorer no.112 Launceston and Holsworthy 1:50,000 scale:Landranger no.201 Plymouth and Launceston

Facilities along route: All facilities at Launceston; pubs and shops at Lifton.

Notes on route: All easy walking except for a steep climb/descent in/out of Launceston.